Court battle over baseball Hall of Famer's assets begins
CHICAGO -- The life baseball Hall of Famer Ernie Banks ended in January with honors and fan accolades from his many admirers, but the legal battle in Chicago over his will has apparently just begun.
Cook County probate judge James Riley ruled Wednesday that a will signed by the famed Cubs shortstop and first baseman leaves all of his assets to his caretaker, Regina Rice, who says he had the document drawn up three months before his death. But his widow, Liz, was left with nothing in the will and insists there was no will at the time of Banks death in January.
She is challenging the notion that her husband left Rice with everything while ignoring their family. But two paralegals testified in a court hearing that they witnessed Banks sign the will. They were questioned about his mental state during the signing. Both said he seemed fine and said he acknowledged that he wasn't leaving any money to his family, CBS Chicago reported.
The Banks family's attorneys have subpoenaed the 12-time All-Star's doctors to find out about any drug treatments or psychiatric evaluations, but that was not made public during the hearing. However, they are saying they will take the case farther.
"It was a procedural matter today," said Liz Banks' attorney Tom Jefson. "The judge ruled what he was going to rule on and we'll take it from there."
Banks died Jan. 23 of a heart attack at age 83. The estate was awarded to his wife, who had gone to probate court for control, saying that he had not left a will.
But a few days later, Rice petitioned that a will did exist and identified herself as Banks' caretaker, according to the Chicago Tribune. Court records show that Banks signed the will Oct. 17 and directed that his assets be placed in a trust to be controlled by Rice, "not for a lack of love and affection for them and for reasons best known by them."
Rice has estimated Banks assets to total about $16,000, but the judge ordered her to compile a complete accounting of the estate, including any memorabilia, accounts, insurance policies and stocks, according to the Tribune.